By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a visit to the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura yesterday to participate in religious observances and receive blessings.

His visit to this sacred site marks an important spiritual occasion following his recent presidential appointment.

Upon arriving at the historic Anuradhapura precincts, President Dissanayake was warmly welcomed by the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Administrator of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Pallekumbura Hemarathana Nayake Thero.

The two held a brief conversation, during which the President inquired about the Venerable Thero’s well-being. This meeting was followed by a series of religious ceremonies conducted by the Maha Sangha.

At the Udamaluwa of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake engaged in traditional religious rituals, participating in a blessing ceremony led by the Maha Sangha, who chanted Seth Pirith to invoke blessings upon him.

The ceremony was also attended by prominent religious leaders, including the Chief Incumbents of several significant temples, such as Lankarama, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparama, Mirisavetiya, Abhayagiriya, and Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya, all of whom bestowed their blessings upon the President.

During the proceedings, the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Hemarathana Nayake Thero delivered a poignant address, noting the immense responsibility that now rests on President Dissanayake’s shoulders.

The Thero emphasised that as a leader from the North Central Province, the President has a particular duty to uplift the lives of the region’s residents, who have long endured hardships.

He also urged the President to safeguard the nation’s people, religion, and heritage.

The Thero acknowledged the complexities of the current political environment, expressing hope that President Dissanayake, with his wisdom and insight, could foster a more positive political culture in the country.

He further encouraged the President to focus on creating a comprehensive national policy that would benefit all citizens in the long term, noting that collaboration with Parliament members would be key to achieving this goal.

Following the religious proceedings at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, President Dissanayake visited the revered Ruwanwelisaya, where he received further blessings from Chief Incumbent Venerable Ethalawetunawewa Gnanatilake Nayaka Thero.

The President participated in additional religious ceremonies before concluding his visit.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, former MP Wasantha Samarasinghe, and representatives from the All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation, among others.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has commended the Sri Lanka Police for fostering a positive image during the recent presidential election.

Addressing a gathering in Kalkudah, Weerasooriya highlighted the crucial role played by law enforcement in ensuring a peaceful post-election period, traditionally a time of heightened tension and potential unrest.

“The aftermath of political transitions often leads to post-election violence. However, this year, I witnessed the most peaceful period following an election in my years of service. It is a reflection of the new culture that has taken root, one that we must preserve for the benefit of both society and the police force,” Weerasooriya told media.

He went on to express his appreciation for the support provided by political leaders, acknowledging their efforts in creating an atmosphere conducive to such calm.

The Acting IGP further praised the efficiency of the police during the election, attributing the success to the professional conduct of officers, which has garnered recognition both locally and internationally.

According to the Acting IGP, this peaceful transition marks a turning point for the Sri Lanka Police, allowing them to recover from previous challenges and restore their reputation within the community.

He stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum, noting that the peaceful post-election environment serves as a testament to the police’s commitment to upholding law and order without bias.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance has announced an increase in the special import tax on potatoes and big onions, aimed at supporting local farmers and stabilising domestic agriculture.

The import tax on potatoes has been raised by Rs. 10 per kilogramme, moving from Rs. 50 to Rs. 60.

Simultaneously, the tax on big onions has surged by Rs. 20 per kilogramme, increasing from Rs. 10 to Rs. 30.

These adjustments come in as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect local produce from the impact of cheaper imports, ensuring competitive pricing for locally grown crops.

The Ministry emphasised that these measures are essential to prevent the market from being flooded with imported goods, which could undercut local farmers struggling to maintain profitability.

With domestic production facing challenges due to weather and rising input costs, the government aims to create a more favourable environment for local producers.

The increase in import taxes is also expected to generate additional revenue for the state while encouraging consumers to turn to locally sourced vegetables.

However, these changes may lead to slight price increases for consumers in the short term, as imported goods become more expensive.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 06, Colombo (LNW): The atmospheric conditions are getting favourable for afternoon thundershowers in most parts of the island from today (06), the Department of Meteorology announced in its daily weather forecast today,

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places in the island during the afternoon or night, and showers may occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Northern and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Trincomalee districts during the morning too.

Fairly heavy showers about 75mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva province.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

1. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assures India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to threaten India’s security: The two leaders discussed mutual defence, economic cooperation, energy projects, and reconciliation efforts: Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and Tamil reconciliation, emphasising Provincial Council elections and the 13th Amendment’s implementation: India’s continued economic assistance was acknowledged.
   
2. SLPP former MP Namal Rajapaksa announces nominations for the upcoming general election were submitted yesterday (05) at the party office: adds heartfelt thanks to the panel and everyone who signed in support: also assures the SLPP is looking forward to the journey ahead.
   
3. The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) held discussions in Colombo on 4 October regarding their strategy for upcoming elections: Led by former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and SLPP’s Sagara Kariyawasam, the talks focused on the political climate and strategies for parliamentary, provincial, and local elections: This marks the first step in the UPFA’s engagement with other parties.
   
4. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-Andre Franche met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, praising his manifesto and ethical political campaign: assures the UN’s support for Sri Lanka’s IMF programme, poverty eradication, anti-corruption efforts, and national peace initiatives: conveys UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ greetings, commending the President’s commitment to fostering trust and peace among diverse communities.
   
5. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dhammika Priyantha has been appointed as the new Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), succeeding Major General Suresh Sallay, who recently retired.
   
6. The Public Health Inspectors’ Union reassures the public that imported coconut oil is safe, following proper inspections: Chairman Upul Rohana highlights imports are tested by food inspectors and meet legal standards: emphasises random checks are regularly conducted, and any contaminated products are removed: Concerns raised by local producers alleging unsafe imported oils are being investigated.
   
7. The 2023 (2024) Piriven Ordinary Level examination results were released online on 5th October. Students can access their results through the official websites www.doenets.lk and www.results.exams.gov.lk.
   
8. Sri Lanka Police urges the public to submit any evidence of additional exam question leaks from the 2024 Scholarship Examination by 7 October: Complaints can be filed at police stations or SSP offices: This follows allegations of three leaked questions, prompting investigations by the CID: The Education Ministry may re-examine based on findings, as paper marking is temporarily suspended.
   
9. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar highlights Sri Lanka’s political turmoil two years ago resulted from both internal and external factors: Speaking at a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace event, he stressed how regional conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, impact the global south, causing instability and heightened anxiety in an already fragile global economy.
   
10. Australia defeats Sri Lanka by six wickets in Sharjah, starting their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 title defence successfully: Sri Lanka, opting to bat, struggled against Australia’s experienced bowling, managing just 92 runs in 20 overs: Despite early losses, opener Beth Mooney led Australia to an easy win, achieving the target with over five overs remaining.

October 05, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw positive momentum in September 2024, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) rising 9.1% month-on-month (MoM), closing at 11,855 points, an increase of 986 points. The more liquid S&P SL20 index also recorded a significant 12.9% MoM rise, reaching 3,453 points, a jump of 395 points, according to CT CLSA Research’s monthly market review.

Average daily turnover surged to Rs.1,653 million in September 2024, compared to Rs.704 million in August 2024. Key contributors to the monthly turnover included Hatton National Bank-Voting (HNB-N, Rs.4,706 million from 27 million shares), Commercial Bank of Ceylon-Voting (COMB-N, Rs.3,071 million from 35 million shares), and John Keells Holdings (JKH, Rs.2,478 million from 15 million shares).

However, the bourse saw a net foreign outflow of Rs.638 million in September, reversing the Rs.83 million net inflow recorded in August. Despite this, there was net foreign buying in companies like John Keells Holdings (+Rs.229 million), Richard Pieris and Company (+Rs.203 million), and Sampath Bank (+Rs.43 million). On the other hand, East West Properties (-Rs.519 million), United Motors Lanka (-Rs.136 million), and Commercial Bank of Ceylon-Voting (-Rs.126 million) faced net foreign selling.

In early October, the market experienced profit-taking. The ASPI dipped slightly to 11,930 points, losing 4 points or 0.04%. The major contributors to the index’s decline were HNB, Sampath Bank (SAMP), Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB), Hayleys (HAYL), and John Keells Holdings, with notable selling pressure on banking stocks. However, Ceylinco Insurance (CINS) made positive contributions to the index.

October 4 also marked the debut of PickMe (PKME), whose shares rose by 8.3% on the first day of trading. Market turnover for the day stood at LKR 1.3 billion, down 41.8% from the previous day, with the Banking sector leading with 26.8% of the turnover, followed by Diversified Financials and Capital Goods sectors contributing 34.9%. A net foreign outflow of LKR 18 million was recorded, indicating continued interest in external investments.

October 05, Colombo (LNW): Azusa Kubota, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, met with Dr. Nandika Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, on Thursday (3) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss ongoing and future collaboration between the UNDP and the Sri Lankan Government.

During the meeting, Kubota expressed the UNDP’s commitment to continuing its development projects in Sri Lanka and praised the new government’s efforts to combat corruption. She emphasized the crucial role of digital platforms in enhancing transparency and efficiency in governance, noting that digitalisation is key to fostering good governance.

Kubota also stressed the importance of training government officials in digitalisation to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms. She assured Dr. Kumanayake that the UNDP stands ready to provide the necessary support to advance Sri Lanka’s digitalisation initiatives and equip officials with the skills and knowledge needed for the transition to digital governance.

October 05, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that the dates for the third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme will be disclosed in due course. According to Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF Communications Department, Sri Lanka’s performance under the EFF is strong, with reform efforts already showing positive outcomes, such as revived economic growth, reduced inflation, increased foreign reserves, and improved revenue mobilization.

Speaking at a press briefing on the 4th, Kozack responded to questions about the status of the IMF’s EFF programme under the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. She emphasized that a high-level IMF delegation, led by Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia Pacific Department, and Senior Mission Chief Dr. Peter Breuer, is currently in Sri Lanka for discussions with President Dissanayake and other officials on recent economic developments and reform objectives. The IMF will provide further details on these discussions once the delegation’s visit concludes.

Kozack stressed the importance of maintaining reform momentum under the new administration, noting that while progress has been made, vulnerabilities and uncertainties remain.

Additionally, significant progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring was confirmed by the IMF. Kozack highlighted that Sri Lanka, along with international bondholder representatives, reached an agreement in principle on September 18, pending confirmation of comparability by the country’s Official Creditor Committee.

Sri Lanka Eyes BRICS Membership as Fashion Leaders Shine at Moscow BRICS+ Summit

In a pivotal move that could transform its global diplomatic ties, Sri Lanka has revealed plans to join the BRICS+ group of nations.

 Janitha Abeywickrema Liyanage, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Russia, confirmed these ambitions during an interview with Russian media outlet RT. Ambassador Liyanage expressed hope that joining BRICS+ would enhance Sri Lanka’s transport and food security.

BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded by adding Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. This coalition of non-Western economies has steadily gained global influence.

Moscow, a hub for both culture and luxury, is hosting the prestigious BRICS+ Fashion Summit from October 3 to 7. Ajai Vir Singh, founder of Colombo Fashion Week, is among the notable speakers. The summit gathers industry leaders, designers, and experts to discuss fashion’s future, sustainability, and emerging market trends.

Singh will address two key forums focused on Circularity and creating brands in new markets, with an emphasis on fostering cooperation in the fashion industry. The event aims to strengthen cultural and business ties, support emerging designer brands, and tackle innovation and sustainable development challenges.

The BRICS+ Fashion Summit will feature the “Heritage” International Exhibition, which highlights how national and cultural heritage from BRICS nations and regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America influence modern fashion design.

Following the summit, Moscow Fashion Week will showcase designers from BRICS+ countries and beyond, including Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE, from October 4 to 9.

Colombo Fashion Week  founder Ajai Vir Singh is invited as a speaker at this prestigious forum in Moscow. 

This global event, the largest of its kind for the emerging fashion markets, will be held in Moscow and will bring together industry leaders, heads of fashion associations, manufacturers, designers, and experts from around the world to discuss the future of fashion. 

The week long program will include a comprehensive Business Program, an International Exhibition titled “Heritage”, which features modern interpretations of cultural codes in fashion design from across the globe, and educational events.

Vir Singh will speak at two forums with focus on Circularity and on creating brands in new markets, he is to also foster multi-vector cooperation in the fashion industry, strengthen cultural and business ties, and address pressing issues like innovation and sustainable development. 

As the key event in emerging fashion markets, the Summit focuses on the challenges and achievements of talented individuals, designers, and companies within the industry. Sri Lanka’s point of view in emerging fashion and culture will be invaluable in supporting emerging designer brands on a global scale. Summit discussions will also delve into topics such as artificial intelligence, investment, and manufacture.